Toyota in Australia and New Zealand launched the E170 series Corolla sedan in late February 2014. An equivalent hatchback model is also retailed under the Corolla banner, but this is actually a rebadged Auris released earlier in 2012. For the sedan version, which is imported from Thailand, there are three different variants: the base Ascent, the mid range SX model, and the flagship ZR. The Corolla sedan and hatchback (Auris) were together in 2014 the top selling car in Australia.

I'm sure their polling whether to rebrand the segment or to keep the name. It will go on the corolla platform so not much would change.They must be a little aggravated that this segment is hot in NA and they created and sold the vehicle in NA forever without much super success

ctgottapee wrote:They must be a little aggravated that this segment is hot in NA and they created and sold the vehicle in NA forever without much super success

As someone else said in this forum, marketing on the Matrix was non existent. Plenty of Corolla marketing tho.. If they'd put as much marketing as Kia put on the Soul, they'd sell the a lot of Hatchback Corollas in NA, I'm sure. Look at the price range in AU$:

Toyota in Australia and New Zealand launched the E170 series Corolla sedan in late February 2014. An equivalent hatchback model is also retailed under the Corolla banner, but this is actually a rebadged Auris released earlier in 2012. For the sedan version, which is imported from Thailand, there are three different variants: the base Ascent, the mid range SX model, and the flagship ZR. The Corolla sedan and hatchback (Auris) were together in 2014 the top selling car in Australia.

I think it look pretty good. The styling isnt that bad and I like the interior. however my 03 Vibe gets just as good MPG and its a 12 year old car. Scion could have done better. As fas as funtionality why buy the IM if there are cheaper cars out there that are just as good.

Well for starters I really like the sunroof on my '06 Vibe and was disappointed that the iM didn't offer one also I'm not seeing foglights (maybe a dealer installed extra?) which for me are a necessity. I'm also thinking of treating myself to heated seats, remote ignition, leather/leatherette seats and a power driver seat with my next car; all of which the iM does not offer. If the Toyota iM would offer some combination of those features I would consider it. This is all at least a few years down the line for me so time will tell where Toyota goes with the iM.

I really wanted to like and buy the iM, but I simply don't fit. The roof is lower than either first or second gen Vibe/Matrix, and it doesn't even have a sunroof. I hit my head while shoulder checking. And the interior feels crammed. Also the CVT is goofy with simulated shift points that add no value whatsoever.

MacGyver wrote:I really wanted to like and buy the iM, but I simply don't fit. The roof is lower than either first or second gen Vibe/Matrix, and it doesn't even have a sunroof. I hit my head while shoulder checking. And the interior feels crammed. Also the CVT is goofy with simulated shift points that add no value whatsoever.

I feel the same way about the iM. I hit my head upon entry, and I agree that it's quite cramped compared to the Vibe. I really love the high roofline of the Vibe for a variety of reasons.

I guess whenever I move to a newer car, I'd have to upgrade to the SUV level if I want plenty of space?

The iM is really beautiful ... I saw one in "Electric Storm Blue" in the dealer showroom the other day. But alas, it's not for me. 1.8 liter only, no leather option, no sunroof ... I won't be buying one.